Also on the ground floor is a yet-to-be-rented space available for restaurants, shops and more. Until its renovation is completed, the 3,000-square-foot unit will be an art space known as The Gallery at Hofheimer. (Photo by: Stephanie Breijo)

It’s been said “ask and it shall be given to you,” but what if you didn’t know what to ask for? In Scott’s Addition, Carter Snipes — and his company, Snipes Properties — has it figured out for you. The owner of the historic Hofheimer Building at 2816-18 Broad St. has completely overhauled the intersection of Broad and Boulevard’s 14,000-square-foot former rug store and camera emporium, updating it with beautiful wood floors and sleek staircases. The airy second floor is just asking for someone to bring in art, throw a party or host a community meeting.

“We really need the local community to help us out with the art; we aren’t curators,” says Snipes. “What do they want to see?” Upstairs, a 3,500-square-foot rooftop overlooking Scott’s Addition and Broad Street practically bellows for a posh catered affair. The second floor and the roof can support 400 people. Snipes is renting both together for now but soon — once Snipes and his engineers secure the rooftop’s anchored tents and the elevator is ready — the roof will be open for multiple events simultaneously. If you want to see the space and feel the wind in your hair, Thursdays are your night: All through May, you can get your rooftop on with Sunsets at The Hof, a happy hour that’s open to the public. This Thursday, there will be fireworks from The Diamond. “We want people to come check out the space,” Snipes says, “see what it is all about. Maybe they come here first and then head to a brewery right down the road.”

Rooftop quaffing isn’t where it ends.

In May, lauded chef Peter Chang will open his second Richmond restaurant, this one the self-titled “Peter Chang” that will be located on the Hofheimer Building’s ground floor. Completely designed by a Chinese architecture firm, everything in the 3,000-square-foot, 75-seat restaurant has been shipped from China, including the server uniforms. This restaurant is intended to feel out the customer base for Chang’s other spots; if the consumers like the branding, it will be used as a model for other locations. “We did not have the money and energy needed to do any design for our restaurants before,” says Chang. “Generally speaking, an old-fashioned Chinese restaurant does not pay much attention to its interior design and dining environment. We want to change that impression by improving our restaurants' dining environment.”

The goal is an authentic Chinese restaurant, not American fusion. Haibin Wang will be chef de cuisine and mirror the majority of the menu from Short Pump’s Peter Chang China Cafe. “Yes, the chef at [the restaurant in the Hofheimer] is the chef who has been trained by me for over four years. He fully understands the concept of Peter Chang dishes,” says Chang.

The location is atypical of the spaces Peter Chang often chooses for his restaurants, but similar to Snipes, he was particularly enamored with the history of the building. When asked why he decided on the Hofheimer, Chang said, “One, 2816 is a historical building. We wish this historical building can breathe in some authentic Chinese food and blend Chinese culture with American history. Two, to better serve local customers, i.e. Peter Chang customers from downtown Richmond. It is a much more convenient location for downtown customers and VCU students and faculty. Three, 2816 is located right by the exit of interstates 95 and 64, it can easily attract interstate travelers to taste Peter Chang food.”

As if Chang isn’t busy enough, he will open his third restaurant concept in the second half of 2016, The Noodle and Dumplings by Peter Chang. Primarily serving noodles, buns and dumpling dishes in Short Pump, the restaurant will also boast a healthier component by using freshly squeezed vegetable juice for dumpling skins and noodles, plus offer a fresher look.

And Snipes isn’t slowing down either. If the next three Thursdays are a success, he may move the happy hours beyond May. “There is nothing in this area like this,” he says. “We want it to be a destination — either a launching destination or an after point. I am optimistic. I think once people get up there, they will want to stay and hang out.”

The historic Hofheimer Building is located at 2816-18 W. Broad St. Stop by this Thursday evening for a happy hour up on the roof, and be sure to stay for the fireworks.

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